Hy-Vee has shut down several of its food preparation centers across Iowa, impacting hundreds of employees. The closures include two major facilities in Ankeny and Chariton, as well as a regional bakery in Cedar Rapids. All affected workers have been reassigned to other company locations. The decision follows internal assessments that led the company to shift production responsibilities back to individual stores.
Impact on Cedar Rapids Bakery Workers
The closure of the Cedar Rapids bakery affected 60 employees. However, all staff members from this location were successfully relocated to other Hy-Vee positions within the company. This transition ensured that no one was left without work following the shutdown.
The Cedar Rapids facility had long served as a key production site for Hy-Vee's baked goods. When news of its closure broke, concerns arose about job security for the workforce. Fortunately, the company acted swiftly to reassign every employee to alternative roles within their operations. Tina Potthoff, Senior Vice President of Communications, confirmed that all transitions were handled internally, minimizing disruption for those involved. This strategic move not only preserved jobs but also demonstrated Hy-Vee’s commitment to supporting its workforce during periods of change.
Shuttering of Ankeny and Chariton Facilities
Two additional Hy-Vee food preparation centers located in Ankeny and Chariton were closed, affecting 461 workers. These decisions came after a comprehensive evaluation of product lines, leading to a restructuring of where and how items are now produced.
Following a detailed review of operations, Hy-Vee determined that continuing production at the Ankeny and Chariton sites was no longer viable. As a result, these facilities ceased operations, impacting a total of 461 employees. Unlike the Cedar Rapids bakery, where everyone found new roles, the fate of these workers varied—some were offered positions elsewhere while others exited the company. The decision to close was driven by a broader strategy to decentralize food preparation and bring more production directly into local stores, allowing for fresher offerings and greater flexibility in meeting customer needs. While challenging for many employees, the move reflects Hy-Vee’s ongoing efforts to adapt its business model in response to evolving market demands.